Camp Explore

Camp Activities

Each week of Camp Explore has different themes, engaging activities and educational field trips. Our STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) programming includes activities and labs, field games, crafts and more.

* Dates/field trips reflect 2023 schedules and are subject to change. Missed last year? Check out camp photos!

• Week A: Blast Off (July 17 - 21)

  Key topics: Space physics, electromagnetic spectrum and aerodynamics

  Take an astronomical journey beyond the stars to learn about space travel, our solar system and the physics that make it all possible. Soar through our galaxy with FIU experts to understand how they explore our universe.

  Field trip: Frost Science Museum (subject to change)

• Week B: Splash Down (July 24 - 28)

  Key topics: Marine science, coastal habitats and coral reefs

  Uncover what lies beneath the waves, from the connectivity of ecosystems like coral reefs, mangrove forests and seagrass beds to the creatures that form the intricate food webs we rely on and FIU marine scientists study.

  Field trip: Crandon Park (subject to change)

• Week C: Get Wild (July 31 - August 04)

  Key topics: Tropical conservation, global climate change and sustainability

  Get a glimpse of science in action and learn about how FIU researchers are working to find solutions to real world issues impacting ecosystems around the world. Discover new ways to protect and conserve our resources for a sustainable future.

  Field trip: Zoo Miami (subject to change)

• Week D: Stay Curious (August 07 - August 11)

  Key topics: Forensics, physics, chemistry and environmental biology

  From field biologist to lab scientist, there are lots of questions to be answered and clues to be followed in the world of science. Learn how the smallest building blocks of life also hold some of the biggest answers.

  Field trip: Everglades (subject to change)

Frequently Asked Questions

• What to Bring to Camp
  • Lunch (if not purchased)
  • Bathing suit and towel (water day)
  • Change of clothes (water day)
  • Closed toed shoes*
  • Hats/sunglasses
  • Sunscreen (apply before camp and bring)
  • Bug spray

  * Campers who are not wearing the appropriate footwear will not be able to participate.

• Lunch Options

  Campers can bring their own lunch or purchase lunch from us. Our lunch program is $55/week and must be pre-ordered with registration. Lunch will be made by Roary's Bay Cafe. 

• Daily Activities

  Most days are scheduled to include 3 hours of marine science activities in FIU's science labs doing dissections, experiments, arts and crafts along with other activities, 1 hour for lunch and approximately 3 hours of water sports including kayaking, snorkeling and swimming if weather permits. Once a week campers will go on a field trip off campus. Camp schedules are flexible to adjust to unpredictable circumstances like weather. 

  Campers must be at least intermediate swimmers - if there is any doubt, please call us at 786-683-4069 for a consultation.

• Camp Staff

  Staff are assigned to groups that remain constant for the duration of the program. Each group is under the direct supervision of Lead and Senior Counselors (professionals with experience working with children) and Junior Counselors.

  All camp staff undergo and clear a Level 2 background check and attend a mandatory training session before camp starts. Staff will be trained on FIU policies and procedures regarding camp supervision, safety and responding to first-aid needs.

  Employment opportunities for Lead Counselor and Senior Counselors will be posted on the FIU careers website. See Staff & Volunteers below for more information, including Junior Counselor applications.

• Drop Off and Pick Up

  The Biscayne Bay Campus is located at 3000 NE 151st Street, North Miami, FL 33181. Campers should be dropped off on the West side of the Academic II (AC2) building by 9 a.m. There will be signs to direct you to the drop-off location where the counselors will be waiting to meet you. If you need additional information, call 305-919-6000.

  If a camper will be arriving late, please notify camp staff as soon as possible. Late campers must be dropped off in the camp main office - Academic I (ACI) Suite 300 - by an authorized adult.

  If a camper will be leaving early, please notify camp staff as soon as possible. Campers must be picked up in the camp main office - Academic I (ACI) Suite 300 - by an authorized adult.

  Due to end of day procedures, campers will not be dismissed between 3:00 pm - 4:00pm. If you need to pick your camper up early, you must do so before 3:00 pm.

  Campers will be released at pick up only to approved individuals with a picture ID. If the camper is not picked up by the indicated time (4:15 pm for regular camp hours and 5:00 pm for late care), an additional fee will be charged.

• Dress Code

  Campers MUST wear camp shirts every day to camp. "Throwback" camp shirts from previous years are also allowed. If a camper is not wearing their camp shirt, one will be provided and you will be billed for the additional shirt. Campers wear their shirt with shorts or comfortable pants (no short shorts). Campers must wear sneakers - no open-toe shoes or crocs allowed. Campers ages 6-7 should always pack a change of clothes in their camp bag.

  The following items should be brought to camp on water day: swimsuit, towel, sunscreen, sandals or water shoes that attach to the foot (no flip-flops), hat and water bottle. We will have some masks/snorkel sets available for use, but it is best to bring your own to ensure a proper fit.

• Handheld Devices

  Campers are only allowed to use their handheld devices during scheduled experiences, and they will be required to turn off and store their devices at the end of the experience. Please label all handheld devices. Lost items are not the responsibility of FIU.

• Medical Conditions

  Let us know immediately of any allergies and/or medical conditions your child may have and list them on the registration form. Before camp begins, be sure to submit any necessary medication(s) to the camp instructor with your child's name, along with instructions for use.

• Counselors in Training

  Campers ages 13-14 interested in a more rigorous experience are invited to participate in our Counselors In Training (CIT) program. Each week, CITs will complete projects based on the camp theme with assistance from a mentor. When CITs are not working on their project, they will gain valuable skills by assisting instructors and Junior Counselors. This allows them the opportunity to engage in leadership and team-building experiences while building their resume.

  To register as a CIT, complete the camp registration and select the CIT group. Contact us at nogle@fiu.edu to learn more about the CIT program.

• Can I register all my children for the camp with just one submission?

  Yes! Please add all your campers to the same registration.

• Is early/late care available for my child?

  Yes - early/late care is available for $45/week. Early care begins at 8:00 am and late care ends at 5:00 pm. You must pick up your camper on time to avoid an additional charge.

• How old does my child have to be in order to attend summer camp?

  Children need to be at least 6 years old to attend camp.

• How are campers divided up?

  We are accepting 40 campers maximum per week. Campers will separated into groups* based on age:

  • Jr. Scientists: 6-8
  • Investigators: 9-12
  • CIT: 13-14 (see below for more information)

  * Groups may vary depending on the age distributions each week.

• Do I have to be affiliated with FIU?

  No! Registration is open to the community.

• Can I arrange for my child to be together with his/her friend if they both sign up for camp?

  We will do our very best to pair your child with his/her friend, although we cannot guarantee placement.

• Can I join the camp staff?

  See Staff for opportunities.

• Cancellation Policy

  Cancellations* must be requested in writing to nogle@fiu.edu. Cancellations prior to April 17, 2023, will be issued a 50% refund. Cancellations after April 17, 2023, will not be eligible for a refund. No refunds will be issued for missed days or absences from summer camp. Refunds will not be issued nor camp make-up days incorporated in the event of natural disasters.

  * Dates reflect 2023 timelines and are subject to change.